2007 Christmas Letter - The Matthews' Year in Review

Peter - is glad to be done with seminary and grateful to have such a great group of fellow travelers on the Christian way who are part of our new Anglican church in Lexington, Ky. Entering his fourth year as pastor of St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Peter is enjoying a new phase in ministry that he calls “pastor as spiritual director”. This year St. Pat’s kicked off a renewed emphasis on discipleship and spiritual growth. Nearly every member of St Pat’s developed a spiritual plan based around St. Pat’s four practices of worship, community, formation and mission. There are currently five members of St. Pats that are in process toward ordination for whom Peter serves as a mentor or supervised ministry leader. In addition to his duties with St. Pat’s, Peter has also helped with other Anglican church plants in Corbin, Maysville and Louisville, Ky. He also volunteers at a local library that provides homework help to its largely Latino clientele and has worked alongside other St Pat’s members at a local rescue mission that serves homeless and needy families. About two years ago, Peter’s mom and older brother moved to Lexington. Peter’s mom will be 87 years old in May. Although she now uses a wheelchair to get around, she is still one of the most stylish ladies we know! We are so glad that we get to see them regularly.

TRUDI - For the last two years, Trudi worked for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a senior policy advisor. An appointee of the governor, her main job was to serve as Kentucky’s e-Health coordinator, helping hospitals, doctors and other health care entities move from paper to electronic records and working with a statewide e-Health board. In addition to e-Health, Trudi worked on legislation, wrote speeches and prepared briefing materials on various issues for the Secretary of the Cabinet and other leadership within Kentucky state government. In November, Governor Fletcher lost his bid for reelection, so there was some uncertainty as to what would happen with Trudi’s job. God is gracious and quickly provided a new position. On Jan. 2nd, Trudi will start a new job as Director of Policy and Public Relations with an e-Health non-profit organization in Cincinnati called HealthBridge. This position will allow her to work from home part time and still have full benefits. In her new role, Trudi will work on grant writing, federal and state government relations, and media outreach. In addition to her work and taking care of home and kids, Trudi has been involved with a women’s book club for several years, teaches toddler church, helps out with various church activities and meets regularly with other women who encourage her to be faithful in following Christ.

That's the first part of our XMas letter about Trudi and Peter. Want me to send you the rest of our Xmas letter? Let me know on my comment page and I'll send you the rest with an update on all the kids and our full contact info. Happy New Year!